Sidharth's return visit driving more interest from India

Video highlights of Bollywood star Sidharth Malhotra's second visit to New Zealand helped launch Tourism New Zealand’s latest campaign in India last week, encouraging more Indians to visit here.

More than 79 media representatives got a sneak preview of the campaign at a press conference in Mumbai attended by the star alongside Steven Dixon, Tourism New Zealand’s Regional Manager, South and South East Asia.

The journalists were shown the video which captures the adventure, food and culture Sidharth experienced during his 10-day trip through the Auckland, Rotorua, Waikato and Canterbury regions in November last year.

The video showcases Sidharth’s visit to the Hagley Oval where he played cricket with Stephen Fleming and Brendon McCullum and features his helicopter ride with former All Blacks captain Richie McCaw as well as footage of him experiencing adrenalin-packed activities such as the Auckland bridge climb, jet boat, luge ride and ziplining.

Since Tourism New Zealand appointed Sidharth as a tourism ambassador in 2015 there has been a significant increase in visitor arrivals from India.

Steven says “His second journey to New Zealand in November again put the destination directly in front of millions of Indians and showcased to them the amazing range of landscapes and experiences our country has to offer.

“Sidharth’s adventures have convinced many to follow in his footsteps and discover the magic of a New Zealand holiday."

Figures released this week show arrivals continue to grow with 25,856 Indians visiting for a holiday in the year ending December 2016, up 16.3% on the previous year.

The India campaign will run for three months on digital and social media platforms in conjunction with airline partners Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Air New Zealand and Thai Airways and select trade partners.

“While we are still tallying up the media coverage from our work with Sidharth the results recorded to date are really impressive, with more than 1000 unique stories about his adventures in New Zealand published in India,” says Steven.

“His journey to New Zealand in November put the destination directly in front of millions of Indians and showcased to them the amazing range of landscapes and experiences our country has to offer.”

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